Everspin Technologies(MRAM) - 2024 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $14.4 million for Q1 2024, slightly down from$14.8 million in Q1 2023, but near the high end of the guidance range of $13.5 million to$14.5 million [7][48] - Adjusted EBITDA was $1.9 million compared to$2.3 million in Q1 2023 [8] - GAAP gross margin was 56.5%, relatively flat compared to 56.8% in Q1 2023 [75] - Operating expenses increased to $8.8 million from$7.7 million in Q1 2023, resulting in a net loss of $0.2 million or$0.01 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $0.8 million or$0.04 per diluted share in Q1 2023 [75] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - MRAM product sales, including both Toggle and STT-MRAM revenue, were $10.9 million, down from$13.8 million in Q1 2023 [51] - Licensing, royalty, patent, and other revenue increased to $3.6 million from$1.1 million in Q1 2023 [51] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted continued economic weakness in the Asia Pacific region, impacting customer demand and project schedules [6][72] - The STT data center product bookings in 2024 are expected to exceed those of 2023, indicating a positive trend in this segment [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects a ramp in Toggle and STT-MRAM design wins in the second half of 2024, with revenue recognition anticipated from these design wins [5][30] - The company is pursuing funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to enhance its manufacturing capabilities for Toggle and STT-MRAM products [73] - The company is focused on growing its Toggle, MRAM, and DRAM products while recognizing revenue from STT-MRAM technology [76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for the second half of 2024, expecting to recognize revenue from design wins despite a slower start to the year due to macroeconomic challenges [6][30] - The company is encouraged by recent traction and leads generated from industry events, indicating potential growth opportunities [50] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $34.8 million, down from$36.9 million in the previous quarter, attributed to investments in new products and facilities [8] - The company is currently engaged in two radiation hard programs using STT-MRAM technology, with expectations for continued revenue recognition from these projects [49] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives confidence on the second half ramp? - Management noted that bookings for STT data center products are expected to exceed 2023 levels, contributing to confidence in the second half ramp [15] Question: What drove the miss in Q2 guidance? - The decline in guidance was attributed to lower RAD-Hard revenue not being incorporated into Q2, as no new RAD-Hard projects have been signed yet [35] Question: Can you elaborate on the Toggle MRAM reliability project? - Management confirmed that they expect to continue the project in Q2, pending funding from the US government agency [60] Question: What is the visibility on product gross margins? - Management indicated that product gross margins have been healthy, with expectations for improvement as new products ramp up [90] Question: Are lead times back to pre-pandemic levels? - Lead times have returned to pre-pandemic levels, approximately 26 to 27 weeks [108]